How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) for Your Linkedin Account

In the West, LinkedIn can be just as important as Facebook if you need to network for business. Here's how to keep your LinkedIn account safe by adding two-factor authentication (2FA), because passwords aren't enough these days. If you're going to keep your account secure, you need more than one method of verification.

The most effective way of doing that is with 2FA, which LinkedIn labels Two-Step Verification. It's pretty easy to enable, but there is one catch: You have to have a phone number on your account since verification codes are sent via text message. Not a problem for most people since they're always on their phones, but I had to point that out.

Note: you can enable 2FA from the LinkedIn mobile app, but I will use the computer for the purposes of this guide.

How to add a phone number to your LinkedIn account

If you already have a phone number linked to your account you can skip this step. If not, keep reading.

1. Log into your LinkedIn account.
2. Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner.
3. Open the Account & Settings menu.
4. Select Privacy & Settings.
5. Click on Phone Numbers from the Basics screen located in Privacy & Settings.
6. You'll see an option to add a phone number. Click on it.
7. Enter your phone number in the field click Send Code. Re-enter your password when prompted.
8. Wait for the code to arrive via text message, enter it, and then you'll see it added to your account.

How to activate Two-Step Verification on your LinkedIn account

1. Log into your LinkedIn account.
2. Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner.
3. Open the Account & Settings menu.
4. Select Privacy & Settings.
5. Once you're on the Basics page select the Privacy tab.
6. Scroll down to the bottom of the Privacy tab where Security settings are located. There you will find Two-Step Verification.
7. Click on it to display the options.
8. Press "Turn On", enter your password again, and the code will be sent to the phone you connected to your account.